Camera with stripping mechanism

ABSTRACT

A camera having a stripping mechanism for separating an imagerecording portion of a self-processing film unit from waste material after processing has been initiated. The mechanism has particular utility with film units wherein the recording portion is strippably coupled to a rigid frame and also to a cooperating pod and trap. Stripping of the recording portion from the frame, pod and trap is effected by one or more stripping fingers of the mechanism that are adapted to be inserted between the recording portion and the frame to separate the recording portion from the frame, pod and trap. The finished print is constructed in the recording unit and, after the above-mentioned stripping, is substantially unencumbered by other elements of the film unit necessary only for processing.

United States Patent 1 Harvey [54] CAMERA WITH STRIPPING MECHANISM [75] Inventor: Donald M. Harvey, Webster, N.Y.

Primary Examiner.lohn M. Horan Assistant Examiner-Alan A. Mathews Attorney-W. H. J. Kline and J. Addison Mathews [57] ABSTRACT A camera having a stripping mechanism for separating an image-recording portion of a self-processing film unit from waste material after processing has been initiated. The mechanism has particular utility with film units wherein the recording portion is strippably coupled to a rigid frame and also to a cooperating pod and trap. Stripping of the recording portion from the frame, pod and trap is effected by one or more stripping fingers of the mechanism that are adapted to be inserted between the recording portion and the frame to separate the recording portion from the frame, pod and trap. The finished print is constructed in the recording unit and, after the above-mentioned stripping, is substantially unencumbered by other elements of the film unit necessary only for processing.

4 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures CAMERA WITH STRIPPING MECHANISM CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS Reference is made to commonly assigned, copending U.S. patent applications Ser. No. 111,403, entitled FILM UNIT; Ser. No. 111,382, entitled FLUID COL- LECTOR; Ser. No. 111,466, entitled FILM CAR- TRIDGE AND ASSEMBLAGE; and Ser. No. l 1 1,464, entitled FILM TRANSPORTING MECHANISM; all filed concurrently herewith in my name.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to photographic apparatus for use with film units of the self-processing type, and more specifically to a camera having a stripping mechanism for separating an image-recording portion of such a unit from other materials thereof left over as waste after processing has been initiated. I

It is well known in the photographic arts to provide film units with materials for processing the units immediately after their exposure. Generally such units include a photosensitive element comprising a support for at least one layer of photosensitive material, and a second element adapted to be registered with the photosensitive element for processing. A viscous processing composition is supplied to the unit at one end and is spread toward the other end by passingthe unit between juxtaposed pressure-applying members that distribute the composition in a layer of predetermined thickness between the two elements. The distributed composition then permeates the layers of the unit to effect development of the photosensitive layers and the construction of an image in a mordant layer,

either in the photosensitive or second element, to provide'a substantially permanent and visible photograph.

In a presently popular commercial film unit,

generally referred to as being of the peel-apart type,

the photosensitive and second elements are spaced apart during exposure and are brought into superposition for processing. The imageor print-receiving layer is in the second element, and that element is stripped from the rest of the unit after processing'to provide a positive right-reading print. Such a unit-is disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,080,805 and 3,511,659.

The present invention is more directly concerned with different types of film units generally referred to as being preregistered or integral." The photosensitive and process elements of a preregistered film unit are superposed or registered prior to exposure, while the same elements of an integral film unit permanently are-maintained in superposed or registered relationship during and after processing.

The present invention is disclosed with a film unit that is both preregistered and integral. Such a unit includes photosensitive and second elements that are superposed prior to exposure and define a composite, permanently registered structure designed to remain substantially in the same physical .form after processing. In presently known film units of this latter type, the second element is transparent, to permit exposure of the photosensitive materials from the top side of the unit, and the image-or pring-receiving layer is located either in the process element, or, preferably, in the photosensitive element, to provide a positive image that need not be stripped from the photosensitive element. Film units of this latter type are disclosed, for example in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 027,990, entitled PI-IOTOGRAPI-IIC FILM UNIT FOR DIFFUSION TRANSFER PROCESSING, filed Apr. 13, 1970 in the name of H. E. Cole and now abandoned, and in French Pat. Nos. 2,006,255 and 2,006,256, published Dec. 26, 1969.

The development of commercially practical film units of the preregistered and integral types has substantially reduced many of the problems inherent in peel-apart units, especially as encountered in first superposing and then separating the photosensitive and second or print-receiving elements. At the same time, however, numerous and 'often unexpected new problems have been encountered. By way of example only, it is. relatively easy with a peel-apart unit to separate the finished print from its leaders, pod and trap, and other materials left over as waste after processing. Such separation is facilitated by the moistened interface at the point of separation between the print-receiving element and the photosensitive element, resulting from the distribution of a processing composition therebetween. In integral film units, on the other hand, the finished print permanently remains attached to the photosensitive element, as well as to the process sheet, and separation of the processing waste materials becomes more difficult because it cannot occur at the moistened interface provided by the distributed processing composition.

Similarly, emphasis on improving the environment has resulted in criticism of many previously considered systems that relied on the camera operator to properly discard waste materials removed from each film unit after processing.

Solutions to many of these problems are suggested, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,447,437, and in my 'copending U.S. application Ser. No. 33,677, entitled be provided, as well as a somewhat bulky or inconvenient storage mechanism for collecting the leaders and other processing waste material. Additionally, such a unit and leader arrangement may not be sufficiently versatile in application to permit its adaptation to many different types of packs.

Still other types of self-processing film units, espe- 'cially adapted for transparencies, are disclosed, for exmentioned patents and application include an imagerecording element supported on a rigid frame that is particularly well adapted for handling by simplified mechanisms such as reciprocating claws, hooks or pushers. However, such units still require manual separation of processing waste material from the rest of the unit. MOreover, such film units are not adapted for and do not teach solutions to the more newly encountered problems associated with preregistered and integral film units. Additionally, such units are compact in size, and the handling mechanisms utilized therewith are not directly adaptable for use with substantially larger film units generally considered necessary for prints viewed by reflected light.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide photographic apparatus for handling film units of the self-processing type, and especially such units including an image-recording portion strippably supported on a frame.

A further object of the invention is to provide such photographic apparatus for separating an imagerecording portion of a film unit from waste materials left over after processing has been initiated.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a camera having a stripping mechanism for separating an image-recording portion of a film unit from processing waste materials without requiring handling of the waste materials by the camera operator.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a stripping mechanism of the above types wherein it is difficult or impossible for the camera operator to obtain a finished print unless he properly collects waste materials left over after initiating processing of the image-recording portion.

Another object of the invention is to provide photographic apparatus wherein waste material is separated from a self-processing film unit, and is collected in the apparatus without ever leaving the apparatus.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, photographic apparatus is provided for stripping an image-recording portion of a selfproc'essing film unit from materials of the film unit that are left over as waste after processing has been initiated. The apparatus is especially designed such that the waste material is separated and collected without ever leaving the apparatus and without requiring contact by the person of its operator. Furthermore, it is difficult or impossible to obtain the finished print, constructed in the image-recording portion, unless the waste materials separated therefrom are properly colcooperating pod and trap. The image-recording portion 7 is releasably or strippably coupled to the rigid frame along lateral edges of the recording portion and frame, while the pod and trap are permanently attached to the frame, such that the recording portion easily can be separated from the frame, pod and trap after processing has been initiated. In such case the frame is provided with longitudinally oriented stripping slots, and the stripping fingers of the present invention are adapted to ride in and be guided by the stripping slots during separation of the recording portion from the frame.

The invention, and its objects and advantages, will become more apparent in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment presented below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING In the detailed description of the preferred embodiment of the invention presented below, reference is made to the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a camera for incorporating a stripping mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side-elevational view of the camera illustrated in FIG. 1 with portions thereof broken away to depict an assemblage of film units located in operative position in the camera.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a film unit particularly adapted for use with the present invention, illustrating the film unit from the top or exposure side thereof with a part broken away to more clearly show various elements of the unit.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the film unit depicted in FIG. 3 but illustrating the unit from the bottom or opposite side thereof.

FIGS. 5-8 are partial cross-sectioned views representing various portions of the film unit depicted in FIG. 3 when viewed from the positions identified in FIG. 3.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial view of a film pack including a cartridge containing an assemblage of film units of the type depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIGS. l0l3 are partial schematic views of the film unit with portions of cooperating photographic apparatus and depicting the manner in which one or more stripping fingers in accordance with the present invention operate to separate the image-recording portion of the film unit from its rigid frame.

FIGS. 14-16 are partial side-elevational views schematically representing the film unit depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4 with the camera depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 to illustrate one mechanism and method for handling film units with the stripping mechanism in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Because photographic film units and cameras are well known, the present description will be directed in particular to elements forming a part of, or cooperating directly with, the present invention. Film and camera elements not specifically shown or described herein are selectable from those known in the art.

Referring now to the drawing, and particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, a preferred embodiment of a film unit for use with the present invention is illustrated, comprising a film unit I provided with a rigid frame 2; an

' image-recording unit 3, including photosensitive and process elements 4 and 5, respectively; a pod or container 6 for supplying processing composition; and a trap or collector 7 for receiving any excess of the composition.

The photosensitive and process elements 4 and 5 accurately are constructed to define sheets having straight edges, square corners and appropriate borders, and properly are registered during manufacture, to provide a uniformly flat, aesthetically pleasing structure that will maintain its'integrity after processing. Except for the pod, trap and frame, included in the more comprehensive structure to be described hereinafter, the image-recording unit is intended to be supplied with all parts necessary for processing by the intended apparatus, and all such parts permanently are retained together without adversely affecting the finished print.

The frame 2 supports image-recording unit 3 with the pod 6 and trap 7 coupled to the recording unit for discharging a suitable processing composition between the elements at one end of the recording unit and for collecting any excess of the composition from between the elements at the opposite end thereof. The frame is particularly adapted for convenient handling of the entire film unit 1 from the final stages of manufacture to completion of the finished print and disposal of any processing waste material. Various other functions of the frame will become more apparent from the following detailed description.

The pod 6 and trap 7 permanently are secured to the frame, but only releasably are coupled to the imagerecording unit 3. Similarly, the image-recording unit is only releasably or strippably coupled to the frame. As will be described more fully hereinafter, such an arrangement of permanent and releasable couplings permits stripping after processing of the image-recording unit (then defining the finished print) from the frame, pod and trap. The latter three elements,.then comprising processing waste material, may be collected in one packet, preferably enclosed and protected by a cartridge in which they originally were supplied, and may be discarded with little possibility of damage to any sensitive environment (e.g. clothing or person),by any remaining processing composition in the waste material.

IMAGE-RECORDING UNIT (Photosensitive Element and Process Sheet) In 'apreferred form, photosensitive element 4 comprises a substantially flat, resilient support of transparent cellulose triacetate film base, or similar material, supporting respective layers of image-receiving material, opaque reflecting material, and a silver-halide emulsion with associated dye-image providing material. Such layers preferably are arranged in the sequence given, with the support located near a first or outside face (the face visible in FIG. 4), where it can protect that side of the unit, and the silver-halide emulsion located near the opposite or inside face, where it is protected by the process sheet 5. As will become more apparent hereinafter, the silver-halide emulsion is adapted to be exposed through the process sheet, from thetop side of the unit, and the developed print is adapted to be viewed through the transparent support, from the bottom side of the unit.

The photosensitive element further includes appropriate means depicted schematically as a border or margin 12 that extends entirely around the circumferential portions of the element. Such border or margin provides a sharp boundary defining both an exposure frame, within which the latent image is adapted to be recorded, and a print frame that preferably is white and within which the finished print is adapted to be formed.

The process sheet or second element 5 also preferably is formed of a transparent material, such as cellulose triacetate film base, and defines a resilient, substantially flat sheet for spreading the processing composition and for protecting the top side of the photosensitive element and film unit while permitting the above-mentioned exposure of the silver-halide emulsion.

Photosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5 preferably are coextensive with one another, and may be maintained in registered or superposed facing relationship by any permanent seal or connection to define the image-recording unit 3. Preferably the connection extends in a longitudinal direction at the lateral edges of the recording unit from its leading end to its trailing end. The resulting connection should be sufficiently impervious to the processing composition to prevent its premature escape from the lateral edges of the unit during processing. I

Regardless of the particular type of seal or connection, or its particular manner of application, the photosensitive and process elements are secured substantially in direct contacting relationship, or the equivalent, at lateral marginal edge portions and in such a manner that the central portions of the elements are retained in registered overlying relationship. The leading and trailing ends, however, as well as the central portions of the elements, are resiliently separable, to permit the introduction, spreading and collection of the processing composition. 7

Additional features and advantages of this preferred image-recording unit are illustrated and described more fully in commonly assigned, copending US. application Ser. No. 70,836, entitled FILM UNIT, filed in the name of H. Nerwin on Sept. 9, l970.

COMPREHENSIVE FILM UNIT (Including Frame, Pod and Trap) The image-recording unit described above, comprising the photosensitive element 4 and process sheet 5, particularly is adapted to cooperate with various elements of the more comprehensive film unit 1 with which it has been illustrated. The latter unit includes the supporting frame 2, the container or pod 6, and the excess fluid collector or trap 7, all of which cooperate for recording and developing a latent image when used with the intended apparatus.

The container or pod 6 may include various cooperating parts, together defining a suitable processing-composition supplying mechanism, and preferably including a rupturable containing part l5 generally comprising a rectangular blank of a vapor-impervious material that is folded along a first side edge 17 and is securely sealed or closed along its ends 19 and 21. A second side 23, opposite from the folded side, is provided along substantially its entire length with a rupturable seal adapted to release a fluid composition from the container upon the application of hydraulicforces generated by passing the container between a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members, such as rollers 25 and 26 (FIG. 2). The containing part is coupled to or cooperates with a leading end of the image-recording unit in any suitable manner for discharging its fluid contents between the photosensitive element and process sheet, and for this purpose has been illustrated with lips inserted into a space or slot provided between the photosensitive element and process sheet at the leading end of the image-recording unit.

The supporting frame 2 is most clearly illustrated in FlGS. 3-8 and comprises a substantially rigid but slightly flexible opaque material, such as black styrene plastic, that has been molded, stamped or otherwise formed to provide a substantially planar and integral rectangular supporting structure for carrying the image-recording unit 3, pod 6 and trap 7. The frame defines a first exposure or top side 27 (FIG. 3), a second bottom side 29 (flG. 4), leading and trailing end portions 31 and 33, respectively, and lateral edge portions or rails 35 extending between and connecting the end portions. As will be described more fully hereinafter, the image-recording unit, pod and trap are adapted to be supported on the second or bottom side of the frame, and exposure of the recording unit from the top side is permitted by an exposure aperture 37 defined by the' end and edge portions and extending entirely through the frame from top to bottom.

Referring to FIG. 5, depicting a cross section of the lateral edge portions 35, the frame includes irregular or stepped surfaces including a vertical outer edge 39, defining the outermost width dimension or circumference of the film unit; a first top or exposure-side step 41, including lands 43 and 45 connected by an incline 47; a vertical inner edge 49, defining the exposure aperture; a flat film supporting surface 51, a guide or stripping slot 53, adapted to coorerate with related photographic apparatus described hereinafter; and a second bottom-side step 55 including first and second lands 57 and 59 connected by an incline 61. At least the stepped portions 41 and 55 are provided with complementary configurations that facilitate the stacking of a plurality of such film units in a compact manner that permits relative movement between adjacent stacked units only in the longitudinal direction. Additionally, the cooperating steps of adjacent film units provide a labyrinth type of light seal to prevent premature exposure of the image-recording unit.

A cross section of the leading end portion 31 of the frame'2 is depicted in FIG. 6 and comprises various edge and stepped surfaces substantially identical in configuration and for substantially the same purposes as described above. Additionally, however, the leading end portion includes a tapered and inclined ramp 63 including a first exposure side or top surface 65, and a second bottom surface 67 for supporting the pod 6.

Referring now more specifically to FIGS. 4 and 8, the trap or excess-fluid collector 7 generally comprises a first or rigid part 75 for establishing a rigid collecting void or chamber and a flexible part 76 for covering and enclosing the first-mentioned part. The rigid part is defined by and formed as an integral portion of the frame, and includes circumferential walls that terminate in flat surfaces 77 extending around all four sides of the rigid portion and lying substantially in a single plane. The surfaces 77 along one side 78 (FIG. 8) of the frame are adapted to support one end of the imagerecording unit, as will become more apparent hereinafter, while such surfaces on the other three sides of the trap are adapted to support the above-mentioned flexible cover portion of the trap. The cover portion v may be formed from any suitable material such as craft paper and is permanently attached to the trap surfaces 77 by a suitable adhesive or seal having sufficientwet strength to prevent the escape of any excess processing composition collected in the trap. Preferably, however, one or more small apertures or holes may be provided through the adhesive or through some other portion of the trap to permit the escape of air from the imagerecording unit and from the trap as the processing composition is spread and the trap is filled. The leading portion 79 of the flexible trap cover 76 is left unadhered to the rigid portion and is adapted to overlie the trailing end of the image-recording unit to enclose or confine that trailing end in a manner insuring that all of the excess processing composition expelled from the recording unit will be directed into the trap. Since there is no permanent connection between the trap and the image-recording unit, the unit easily can be withdrawn from the trap after processing has been initiated.

As briefly mentioned above, the image-recording unit 3 is releasably or strippablyv coupled to the frame 2. Such a coupling can be provided by the interlocking relationships between the pod 6, the trap 7 and the ends of the image recording unit. Preferably, however, the film supporting surfaces 51 (FIGS. 4 and 5) that extend longitudinally of the frame adjacent to the lateral edges of the film unit are provided with an appropriate adhesive, cohesive or seal that maintains the imagerecording unit in a substantially flat film plane. Additionally, the adhesive can be used to maintain a light tight connecting relationship between the imagerecording unit and the frame.

In a somewhat similar manner, the pod 6 and flexible portion of the trap 7 are permanently attached to the leading and trailing ends of the frame by an adhesive, cohesive or seal that is permanent in nature.

The pod and trap also are releasably coupledto the image-recording unit 3. However, such coupling preferably is only functional. For example, lips 23 on the pod may be inserted between the photosensitive and process elements 4 and 5 at the leading end thereof, while trailing ends of the photosensitive and process elements may be inserted between portions 75 and 79 of the trap. in such case, no adhesive, cohesive or separate sealing means is required.

The pod 6 and the flexible portion 76 of trap 7 are dimensioned to extend across the width of the film unit at least to, and preferably beyond, the lateral portions of picture border 12 to insure efficient and complete spreading and collection of the processing composition. For purposes to be described more fully hereinafter, in connection with stripping of the imagerecording unit from the frame, the pod and trap do not extend to the very edge portions of the image-recording unit, nor do they overlie the stripping slots or guides 53.

FILM ASSEMBL-AGE AND PACK The film units are adapted to be supplied in a pack 81 (FIG. 9) including a container 82 for receiving an assemblage 83 of the film units. The container may be formed from a single sheet of metal that is stamped in the proper configuration and bent to form a bottom wall '85, a trailing end wall 86, and side walls 87. The side walls additionally may be bent over at 88 to provide locating and restraining channels for maintaining the forwardmost film unit in proper position for exposure when the cartridge is received in a cooperating camera. Additionally, the side walls are bent over at their leading ends to form an inclined guiding surface 89 for purposes to become more apparent hereinafter, and abutment or control surfaces 90. The bottom wall of the cartridge also may be provided with resilient means such as a bent-up spring 91 for engaging and urging the film units toward the forwardmost position in the cartridge.

The film assemblage 83 includes a plurality of the film units 1 and a dark slide 92 having a configuration similar to that of the film units but with a solid opaque center instead of the exposure aperture 37. When in such a stacked relation, and as briefly mentioned above, the image-recording units are protected against premature exposure by the dark slide 92 and the cartridge 82.

The pack is particularly constructed to permit sliding removal of the forwardmost film unit from the cartridge and over the upper surfaces 93 of abutment 90, while the abutment surface is constructed and located to block the withdrawal of any of the other film units during the withdrawal of the forwardmost film unit. The sliding movement also is controlled by cooperation between the cartridge side walls 87' and the steps 41 and 55 in the lateral edge portions of the frame, which constrain movement of the forwardmost film unit except in the longitudinal direction. After a film unit has been withdrawn from the pack, and as briefly mentioned above, the image-recording unit can be stripped from the frame and the frame can be reinserted into the back of the cartridge between guide lip 89 and the lowermost surfaces 94 of the abutment member 90.

PHOTOGRAPl-IIC APPARATUS FOR USE WITH FILM UNIT The photographic apparatus or camera incorporating the present invention is most clearly depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, and comprises a body portion 101, the juxtaposed pressure-applying members 25 and 26, a film transporting mechanism 103 and a stripping mechanism 105. As most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 14-16, the film transporting mechanism generally comprises a slid'able drawer or chucker including a handle I08 accessible from the cameraexterior for reciprocating the chucker between a first closed position within the camera, as illustrated in FIG. 2, and a second open position withdrawn from the camera illustrated in FIG. and 15. While such reciprocating movement can be provided for in any suitable manner, the chucker has been illustrated with a mounting pin I10 (FIG. 14) coupled to the camera body and riding in a elongated slot I 11 provided in each side wall 109 of the chucker. At its upper portion the chucker includes elongated arms 112 from which extend hooks or claws 113 (FIG. 2) and a resilient spring 114 (FIG. 14). As the chucker is moved in a first direction, from its closed position to its opened position, the claw 113 engages the trailing end of the forwardmost film unit and transports that unit between the pressure-applying rollers 25 and 26 and from the camera body portion 101 The pressure members preferably are of the stepped type illustrated and described in the aforementioned commonly assigned, copending US. application Ser. No. 70,386, entitled FILM UNIT, and filed on Sept. 9, 1970, in the name of H. Nerwin. In operation, raised shoulder portions (not shown) on the pressure members are adapted to ride on the marginal portions of the film unit as the unit is transported between the members, while recessed central portions of them members simultaneously are adapted to rupture the container and spread the processing composition in a uniform layer.

As the fluid processing composition is expelled from the container and distributed between the photosensitive and process elements, hydraulic forces in the composition will separate the resilient elements in their central portions and force them into engagement with the central portions of the pressure members. The height of the central recess in the members determines and is selected to spread the composition in a layer of proper initial thickness (approximately 0.006 inches).

As the processing composition is distributed, it immediately begins to permeate the various layers of the photosensitive element to initiate processing in a manner more fully described in the aforementioned commonly assigned US. application Ser. No. 027,990, entitIed'PHOTOGRAPHIC FILM UNIT FOR DIFFU- SION TRANSFER PROCESSING, filed on Apr. 13, 1970 in the name of H. E. Cole and now abandoned. Additionally, various components for the processing composition, including water, begin to escape or dissipate entirely through or otherwise from between the photosensitive and process elements to the surrounding atmosphere, resulting eventually in a drying of the processing composition. The composition comprises only a very small percentage of solids (e.g. less than 5 percent), and most of the rest of the composition (essentially water) eventually escapes from between the elements. As a result, forces holding the photosensitive and process elements apart are relieved and the resiliency of the elements effects their return to facing engagement. By this time the image-recording unit again has assumed its original uniform flat configuration. 0

After passing between the pressure-applying members 25 and 26, the film unit is transferred by spring 114 from aforward position in the chucker to a rearward position aligned with the waste collecting entrance to the film pack 81 (see FIGS. 14 and 15). This necessary to strip the recording portion of the unit' from its frame, and to expel the recording portion from the camera, as described in detail hereinafter in connection with the stripping mechanism. The film transporting mechanism is disclosed and described more specifically in my copending U.S. application Ser. No. l 1 1,464, filed in my name on even date herewith, the disclosure of which hereby is incorporated by reference.

STRlPPlNG MECHANISM Referring now even more specifically to the present invention, the image-recording portion 3 of the film unit is adapted to be stripped from the frame 2, pod 6 and trap 7, by the stripping mechanism 105 of a camera or other photographic apparatus. This mechanism comprises a pair of narrow, spaced fingers or skiving surface 117 (FIG. 10) that are coupled by a V-shaped central lifting guide 118. The fingers 117 are configured to mate with the slide in the stripping slots 53 of the film unit, both for guiding movement of the film unit through the stripping mechanism, and for entering between the image-recording unit and the frame to skive or pry the recording unit from the frame. For these purposes, the fingers each include substantially flat first surfaces 117a (FIG. 2) for engaging one side of the frame, and second arcuate surfaces 1 17b, extending at an angle to the first surfaces, for engaging the lateral edges of the image-recording portion. The first surfaces 117a define a plane lying in the path of movement of the frame and for entering the stripping slots, while the lifting guide 118 is spaced from the plane of the first surfaces by an amount permitting movement of the frame under the lifting guide (as viewed in FIGS. 10-13) without interference. Thus, as the film unit is moved toward the film pack on return of the chucker (to the left as viewed in FIG. 16), the frame will pass under the lifting guide 118 (as viewed in FlGS. 10-13, but over the lifting guide as viewed in FIG. 16) and will be directed into the back of the pack by first surfaces 1170. At the same time, the recording portion will be separated and urged from the frame by the second surfaces 117b, to a position where it will be engaged by the lifting guide and directed from the camera.

The fingers conveniently can be molded or otherwise formed from plastic or other suitable material, either as an integral part of the camera back or as a separate structure attached to the camera body. To insure proper collection of the frame and other processing waste materials, the fingers project slightly into the pack or cartridge such that the frame and waste actually is substantially fully positioned back in the pack before stripping is completed. Similarly, the fingers cooperate with and form one side of the print exit slot 119, such that the print or image-recording portion of the unit automatically is expelled from the apparatus at the same time and by the same energy used to strip it from the frame.

ln addition to their stripping function, the fingers also serve for guiding longitudinal movement of the frame into the back of the film pack and, concurrently therewith, for properly orienting the frame and the image-recording portion to enter their respective openings in the pack and camera back.

As illustrated most clearly in FIGS. 10-13, the fingers first engage the lateral edges of the recording unit adjacent to the trap 7 to force the lateral edges from the trap. Thereafter, the lateral edges of the recording unit ride up on the fingers 117 until the central portion of the recording unit is engaged by the V-shaped lifting guide 118, which then assures complete separation of the recording unit from the central portion of the trap. Complete separation is further facilitated by the flexible nature of trap portion 76, that permits the leading end of the trap to fold upwardly away from the frame as the recording unit is separated from the frame. Separation of the recording unit from the pod is accomplished in a similar manner, and the completely separated recording unit is guided by the lifting guide 1 18 through an appropriate aperture 119 (FIGS. 2 and 16) in the camera body to a position where it is accessible from the exterior of the apparatus.

As briefly mentioned above, the pod and trap are not as wide as the recording unit and do not extend over the stripping slots in the rigid frame. Therefore, the pod and trap will move between and past the stripping fingers without being engaged or stripped thereby.

The image-recording portion of the film unit is stripped from the frame at the same time the frame is inserted into the pack behind the other film units, thus making it practically impossible to obtain a finished and stripped print without properly collecting the separated waste material. Similarly, this location of the stripping mechanism, and its configuration, are adapted to expel the stripped recording portion from the back of the camera, where it will not interfere with the usual manner of holding and operating the camera at its ends. More specifically, the film pack 81 is adapted to be received in a camera film chamber 121 (FIG. 2), defined by end walls 123 and 125, such that the stripping fingers will extend slightly into the back of the pack closely adjacent to the waste collecting entrance at the leading end of the pack. The fingers also are spaced from the leading end of pack cartridge 82, toward the trailing end of the cartridge, by an amount slightly greater than the dimension a (FlG. 6) corresponding to the width of the leading end of the frame. This spacing is provided because each stripping slot 53 of the specific film unit illustrated extends only to the light seal at the leading end of the unit, and the stripping and guiding functions of the fingers therefore must be completed before the fingers reach the end of that slot. 1

OPERATION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODlMENT The operation of the preferred photographic apparatus and stripping mechanism is most clearly illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 10-16. FIG. 1 depicts the film units stacked in a cartridge, with the forwardmost unit in position for withdrawal and with the second or next successive unit blocked by cartridge abutment 90.

FlG. 14 depicts the forwardmost unit during its withdrawal between the pressure members. At this time the pressure members initiate processing of the film unit by rupturing the pod and distributing the processing composition.

After the unit has been withdrawn from the camera body and completely from between the pressure-applying members, it will be resiliently urged by spring 114 of the film transporting mechanism, from its raised position in the chucker adjacent to a forward portion of the camera body, to a lowered position in the chucker adjacent to the rearwardmost portion of the camera body. The unit is held in this lowermost position by a catching surface or step 1 15 at one end of the chucker and a similar surface in the camera body (not shown). Thereafter, the chucker is moved in a second direction from its open position to its closed position, to push the film unit back into the container 82 behind the frames of the previously exposed film units or behind the unexposed film units remaining therein. Simultaneously therewith the stripping fingers located in the camera back enter the stripping slots or guides 53 in the lateral edges of the film unit and are moved between the frame and the image-recording unit in a skiving manner to strip or separate the image-recording unit from the frame. As the recording unit is separated from the frame it is guided by cooperating surfaces of the stripper and camera back and is directed through the aperture in the camera body to a position where it is accessible to the camera operator. The frame, pod and trap, on the other hand, are returned to and retained in the cartridge for disposal with the other frames, pods and traps after they also have served their purpose in processing their related image-recording units.

It should now be apparent from the above description that an improved stripping mechanism and photographic apparatus have been provided that are simple yet reliable in operation for separating image-recording portions of a self-processing film unit from other materials thereof that are left-over as waste after processing has been initiated. The mechanism and apparatus are useable with film supplied as individual units that are simply stacked in an assembledge or pack and do not require leaders either for connecting the units or for transporting the units within the apparatus. Waste materials are kept at a minimum and are directed to a collecting location within the apparatus in a convenient manner for later disposal. Moreover, it is difficult or impossible to obtain a finished print without such proper collection of the waste materials, thus making it highly .unlikely that the waste will be discarded in derrogation of the countryside, even though the operator of the apparatus makes no conscious effort to collect the waste. Still further, the print is ejected or expelled from the camera at a location in the camera back where it will not be interferred with by the hands of the operator.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, but it will be understood that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A camera for use with a self-processing film unit and'adapted to separate an image-recording portion of such a unit from a processing portion to which the image-recording portion is strippably attached, the image-recording portion including a pair of lateral edges and a central section between the lateral edges, said camera comprising:

means for effecting a photographic exposure of the means for initiating processing of the film unit after the exposure has been effected;

a pair of spaced stripping fingers including means defining first surfaces for engaging the processing portion and second surfaces extending at an angle to said first surfaces for engaging the lateral edges 5 of the image-recording portion to separate the image-recording portion from the processing portion after the processing has been initiated, said first surfaces defining a plane; and

a lifting guide spaced from said plane and extending between said fingers, said lifting guide including means for. engaging the central section of the image-recording portion to direct the imagerecording portion away from the processing portion.

2. A camera for use with a self-processing film unit and adapted to separate a rigid frame from imagerecording portions of such a unitthat are strippably attached to the frame, said camera comprising:

means for effecting a photographic exposure of the means for initiating processing of the film unit after the exposure has been effected;

means defining a rectangular chamber for receiving the frame after the processing has been initiated,

said chamber having an end portion defining an entrance to said chamber;

means for sliding the frame along a substantially straight path into said chamber through said entrance; and

a stripping finger extending partially into said chamber adjacent to said entrance, said finger including means for stripping the image-recording portions from the frame and fordirecting the image-recording portions away from said chamber.

3. A camera for use with an assemblage of preregistered integral self-processing film units, the assemblage including a first such film unit and other such film units behind the first film unit, each of the film units having an image-recording portion strippably coupled to materials for aiding processing of the image-recording portion that are strippable from the image-record ing portion after the processing has been initiated, said camera comprising:

} means for receiving the assemblage with the first film unit in a position for exposure;

a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members for sure-applying members and, after the processing of the image-recording portion of the first film unit has been initiated, for transporting one of the image-recording portion and the processing aiding materials of the first film unit to a position in said receiving means behind the other film units; and

means engageable with the first film unit after the processing of the image-recording portion thereof has been initiated for stripping the image-recording portion thereof from the processing aiding materials thereof. 4. A photographic camera for use with an assemblage of preregistered integral self-processing film units, the assemblage including a first such film unit and other such film units behind the first film unit, each of the film units having an image-recording portion and a processing portion separable therefrom as waste after processing of the image-recording portion has been initiated, said camera comprising:

means defining a chamber for receiving the assemblage with the first film unit in an exposure position and including a leading end portion having means defining an exit through which the first film unit is movable from said exposure position to outside said chamber and an entrance through which the processing portion of the first film unit is movable from outside said chamber to a storage position behind the other film units in said chamber;

means for effecting movement of the first film unit means adjacent to said entrance and operative during said'subsequent movement for separating the processing portion of the first film unit from the image-recording portion of the first film unit, for directing the processing portion toward said storage position, and for directing the imagerecording portion away from said chamber.

UNITED STATES PATENT oTTTcE CERTIFICATE 0F CQRRECTWN Patent No. 3 709 12 Dated January 9 1973 Inventm-(S) Donald M. Harvey It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

The illustrative figure on the cover sheet should be cancelled and Figure 11 of the attached sheets of drawings substituted therefor. Also the 2 sheets of drawing should be cancelled and the attached 5 sheets substituted therefore.

Column 1, line 64, "pring" should read print Column 2, line 2, after "example" insert a comma. Column 3, line 7, "MOreover" should read Moreover Column 7, line 21,

"(55. 4)" should read (FIG. 4) Column 9, line 62, "FIG. and l5 should read FIG. 15 line 66, "a" should read an Column 10, line 16, "them' should read the Column 11, line 20, "the", first occurrence, should read and Column 12, line 54, "FIG. 1" should read FIG. 2

Signed and sealed this 19th day of February 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. MARSHALL DANN Attestlng Offlcer Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-105O (10-69) uscoMM-oc scene-ps9 n U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: I969 0-366-334,

Page 2 DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR Patent No.

ATTORNEYS Page 3 Patent No. 3,709,126

Patent NO. 3,709,126 Page 4 DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS Page 5 Patent No 3 709,126

ATTORNEYS I ww u; I

Patent No. 3,709,126

FIG. l4

Pag 6 DONALD M. HARVEY INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS 

1. A camera for use with a self-processing film unit and adapted to separate an image-recording portion of such a unit from a processing portion to which the image-recording portion is strippably attached, the image-recording portion including a pair of lateral edges and a central section between the lateral edges, said camera comprising: means for effecting a photographic exposure of the film unit; means for initiating processing of the film unit after the exposure has been effected; a pair of spaced stripping fingers including means defining first surfaces for engaging the processing portion and second surfaces extending at an angle to said first surfaces for engaging the lateral edges of the image-recording portion to separate the image-recording portion from the processing portion after the processing has been initiated, said first surfaces defining a plane; and a lifting guide spaced from said plane and extending between said fingers, said lifting guide including means for engaging the central section of the image-recording portion to direct the image-recording portion away from the processing portion.
 2. A camera for use with a self-processing film unit and adapted to separate a rigid frame from image-recording portions of such a unit that are strippably attached to the frame, said camera comprising: means for effecting a photographic exposure of the film unit; means for initiating processing of the film unit after the exposure has been effected; means defining a rectangular chamber for receiving the frame after the processing has been initiated, said chamber having an end portion defining an entrance to said chamber; means for sliding the frame along a substantially straight path into said chamber through said entrance; and a stripping finger extending partially into said chamber adjacent to said entrance, said finger including means for stripping the image-recording portions from the frame and for directing the image-recording portions away from said chamber.
 3. A camera for use with an assemblage of preregistered integral self-processing film units, the assemblage including a first such film unit and other such film units behind the first film unit, each of the film units having an image-recording portion strippably coupled to materials for aiding processing of the image-recording portion that are strippable from the image-recording portion after the processing has been initiated, said camera comprising: means for receiving the assemblage with the first film unit in a position for exposure; a pair of juxtaposed pressure-applying members for engaging therebetween the first film unit to initiate the processing of the image-recording portion thereof; means for transporting the first film unit from the assemblage toward, between, and beyond the pressure-applying members and, after the processing of the image-recording portion of the first film unit has been initiated, for transporting one of the image-recording portion and the processing aiding materials of the first film unit to a position in said receiving means behind the other film units; and means engageable with the first film unit after the processing of the image-recording portion thereof has been initiated for stripping the image-recording portion thereof from the processing aiding materials thereof.
 4. A photographic camera for use with an assemblage of preregistered integral self-processing film units, the assemblage including a first such film unit and other such film units behind the first film unit, each of the film units having an image-recording portion and a processing portion separable therefrom as waste after processing of the image-recording portion has been initiated, said camera comprising: means defining a chamber for receiving the assemblage with the first film unit in an exposure position and including a leading end portion having means defining an exit through which the first film unit is movable from said exposure position to outside said chamber and an entrance through which the processing poRtion of the first film unit is movable from outside said chamber to a storage position behind the other film units in said chamber; means for effecting movement of the first film unit from said exposure position through said exit to outside said chamber to initiate processing of the image-recording portion of the first film unit and for effecting subsequent movement of the processing portion of the first film unit from outside said chamber through said entrance to said storage position behind the other film units in said chamber; and means adjacent to said entrance and operative during said subsequent movement for separating the processing portion of the first film unit from the image-recording portion of the first film unit, for directing the processing portion toward said storage position, and for directing the image-recording portion away from said chamber. 